"And just when the mercenaries rode into Bassaki Village as it was their custom, Alas! The village was void of life except for the dark Lord, who stood in the Market Square, expressionless and unperturbed. The raiders were stunned to see the village empty, but much more was the renowned dark Lord standing in its center. 'Trouble not this village anymore, I have made my abode here in'. The dark Lord thundered at the raiders who hastily rode off in different directions. They all knew the legendary dark Lord, and that was the last time the mercenaries came to trouble the peaceful village. The villagers began to crawl out from their hideouts, looking in bewilderment as only the lover boy stood unperturbed at the village square. One of the many talents of the dark Lord was to take on different figures which were unknown to the villagers. Songs of victory went out from the women and the men of the village joined in praise of the suitor who had just saved them from the mercenaries. Many whispers in audible tone flew around the village about their savior, which only brought pride to the princess, as her name was sung with that of his handsome suitor." Tunde said, bringing smiles to his audience as he continued the love story between the dark Lord and the princess.
Though I was in haste, I found myself equally captivated by Tunde's story, one he told effortlessly, enchanting his audience with his humorous gestures and tale-telling skills. I stood close to the entrance of the class's entry, engrossed with admiration of Tunde, who was in his early twenties but two years older than me, had a most pleasing physique with a relatively fairly built body, clean shaved beard, and a simple dress sense. He was just the perfect kind of guy I wanted in my life but... My thought got interrupted when Tunde's eyes and mine fixed coincidentally and as much as I wanted to look away, I saw in his eyes an excitement like a child who had just seen his beloved. He waved at me amidst his talent-telling jokes, making a few of his audience trail in his direction. This made me uncomfortable but because I didn't want to embarrass him, I returned the gesture mildly, giving off a really gentle wave of hand in addition to the smile that crept sluggishly on my face. The distance between us wasn't much. I had not accepted to be Tunde's girlfriend, at least not yet, even though I wanted to, and I didn't want unnecessary attention, especially for the fact that I was going to share it with his ever-loyal audience.
Both Tunde and I studied Geography in the same college, and we were already in our final years. Tunde had been asking me to be his girlfriend since our penultimate years, but I neither gave him a yes nor a no, even though I liked him very much. I just was never comfortable with how well he related with a lot of people; my insecurity and need for attention would not let me have the confidence of being placed as a priority in his life.
Just barely a few steps away from the classroom where Tunde was, I heard approaching and hasty footsteps, which caused me to turn around. I was surprised to see Tunde hurrying up to me which made me pause, giving him a questioning look.
"You left without a goodbye?" Tunde asked as he caught up with me.
"You were busy with those you love more and have your attention. I didn't want to interrupt." I replied, rolling my eyes out while attempting to hide my jealousy.
"Come off it Ella. You know nothing can take your place in my heart. I'm sorry I was carried away." Tunde replied.
"It's fine. You told the tale quite interestingly. See you later." I replied and turned to leave.
"Can we have dinner this weekend?" I heard Tunde's voice right after I turned to leave. I paused for a moment and wondered if I heard him right. I loved the idea of dinner with Tunde and at that instance, I knew I was not going to disappoint him.
"You sure you can afford my order?" I teased with a sneer, hiding my true excitement and the butterflies that ravaged my stomach.
"Anything for you, Ella, anything," Tunde replied, and I could sense so much truth and honesty in his words. As much as I wanted to rush him with a hug, I restrained myself, reminding myself I was the lady and should keep my emotions in check.
"Alright then, I'll think about it and get back to you," I replied and turned to leave immediately.
"I'll just text you the address instead," Tunde said.
"I've not even said yes yet." I waved him off and continued walking towards my hostel.
"Your constant stare is making me uncomfortable, Tunde. Am I safe?" I asked Tunde as he sat opposite me in a black tuxedo suit with a smashing look almost as though he could engulf me with his eyes. He looked breadth-taking and different from the regular classmate stature of him I knew in school. The flavor and aroma of his perfume satisfied my soul as his dark skin glowed under the illumination of lit bulbs in the restaurant, partly secluded from the chatter of other guests at the venue. Tunde barely ate much of what he ordered: a light meal of fruit salad and orange juice. Our chats were largely about campus and global trends, and just when our discussions were beginning to hit on our personal lives, Tunde's words interrupted with a stroke of disbelief.
"The doctor said I have barely a month to live!" Tunde said, his eyes fixated on mine as I widened my eyes in disbelief.
I was expecting Tunde to tell me it was a joke, as he was fond of teasing and cheering everyone, but his expression spoke otherwise.
"If this is a joke Tunde, it's not funny," I said to Tunde with all seriousness, dusk suddenly becoming pitch black and scary as many thoughts collided in an instant. "Tunde?" I asked, and only when I saw tear drops roll down his cheeks did my heart jump out of my chest. My world froze at that instance, wailing for the pains Tunde must have endured, his efforts to put smiles on people's faces despite his hurts, and, importantly, losing the one I never got to tell how much I loved him.
The cutlery dropped from my hands as I drew my chair back and hastened my feet to where Tunde sat. He stood up and took my open arms in his. It was the first time I hugged him yet I wished never to let go. We stood there for uncounted minutes, disregard for onlookers, swept in the world that threatened to last but a second.
"I'm sorry Ella." Tunde sobbed as he hugged me tighter.
"No Tunde, I should apologize instead. We will go through whatever it is together and all I want you to do is to fight with all you've got!" I found myself sobbing uncontrollably.in his arms.
My appetite was lost after we disengaged and I paid off the bills as I walked Tunde out of the restaurant. I saw how much he feigned to be alright but knew deep down, he was broken.
Tunde and I bonded far more than I could imagine. I was literally his shadow from the night of our dinner. Tunde disclosed to me his medical ailment which required a heart transplant. I followed Tunde for his clinic follow ups and his parents appreciated my support for him and the family.
"Ella, someone's here to see you." My roommate called out to me. I hurried out of the kitchen and met a delivery man at my doorstep. I signed the complementary document and tore the envelope open. The beat in my heart galloped as they ran erratically It was Tunde's handwriting. I knew that which I feared the most had befallen me.
'Thank you for giving me the sweetest memories of my last few days. You strengthened me to live beyond the time appointed. You'll forever be in my heart. Yours' Tunde.'